top of page

Learn

The LAB

The LAB @ Finley Golf Club features both traditional and innovative programming, for players of all levels, delivered by a carefully selected team of world-class instructors. 
 

Leslie-Headshot.jpg

Leslie Cloots

Senior Performance Coach

Leslie is a PGA Class A member and a seasoned professional tour player. Her journey at the University of North Carolina began as a promising recruit from Antwerp, Belgium. She represented the Tar Heels on the UNC Women’s Golf Team from 2013 to 2017, leading the team in scoring averages for three consecutive years, while completing her undergraduate studies at Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Following graduation, Leslie immediately transitioned into the professional ranks of the LPGA Epson Tour, and Ladies European Tour. While she continues to work on her own game and pursue her lifelong quest for the LPGA Tour, she enjoys helping other golfers with their game.

Leslie’s dual role as a coach and active tour player underscores her ability to translate personal experience and success into invaluable insights for her students. She understands that golf is not just a game of technique but a mental and strategic challenge. Her approach is centered on helping you perform your best where it matters most—on the golf course.

Her expertise is complemented by her certification as an LPGA Girls Golf instructor, highlighting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfers and instilling in them the same pursuit of excellence.


For more info check out www.lesliecloots.com or you can reach out to Leslie directly at (919)360-4307.

T.D.-Luten (1).jpg

T.D. Luten

Director of Player Development

T.D. Luten, a coach and advisor for junior golfers aiming at success in Division I golf, boasts a rich history spanning nearly two decades in the golf industry. With an unwavering commitment, T.D. channels expertise and passion into elevating the potential of talented junior and collegiate golfers.

During a four-year tenure as Assistant Men’s Golf Coach at Duke University, T.D. demonstrated a deep-rooted knowledge of the sport’s nuances. T.D.’s track record includes two ACC Championships and facilitating the placement of junior golfers at prestigious institutions such as Stanford, UNC, Duke, Cornell, UVA, NC State, Princeton, NC Central, UNC Wilmington, Georgetown College, Nyack College, Guilford College, Methodist University, and Florida A&M, and has a near 100% placement rate.

T.D. is certified in Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and S.A.M. Puttlab.


For inquiries, please email: tdluten@coursekings.com

Robert-Costa- (1).jpg

Robert Costa

Head Golf Professional

Before becoming a PGA member in 2010, He Graduated from UNC Wilmington with a double major in Psychology and Leisure Services Management. Robert has competed in numerous Carolinas PGA Section Events, so he knows the game of golf inside and out.

Robert has 15+ years of experience teaching and coaching through a variety of players and skill levels. Through his 15-year partnership with Finley Junior Golf Camps, he has helped more than 2,000 juniors improve their game while having fun doing it. What sets him apart in his teaching style is that he understands everyone is different, so he doesn’t stick to one method. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Robert tailors his lessons to you, making Finley Golf Club the place to enhance your golf game.


For inquiries, please email at robertcosta@unc.edu

IMG_2584-e1696249942203 (1).jpg

Tyler Currin

Director of Operations & Master Club Fitter

Passionate about the game of golf and dedicated to helping players reach their full potential. I am a certified club fitter with extensive experience in customizing golf equipment to fit players’ needs. I have a deep understanding of equipment and its impact on golf performance metrics. I work to optimize each player’s game by ensuring their clubs are tailored to their unique swing dynamics and preferences.

Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your game or a tour professional seeking a competitive advantage, I am here to provide expert guidance and precision club fitting to help you excel on the course.

unnamed.jpg

Nate Parry, PGA

Teaching & Coaching Professional

Nate Parry is a PGA Class A Professional driven by a strong work ethic and deep passion for golf. He earned his PGA Class A Membership in just two years after entering the PGA Associate Program in September of 2020. With an ongoing pursuit of the PGA Specialized Program, Nate believes it is his job as a teacher/coach to never stop learning. 

Nate has worked with players ages 4 – 89, from beginners to professional golfers. His instruction caters to all ages and skill levels while focusing on enjoyment of the game. Nate realizes, whether you are a brand-new golfer or a seasoned touring professional, we all first picked up a golf club for the same reason…to have fun!

Growing up in Chapel Hill, he brings experience from North Carolina’s Junior and Amateur Golf Circuits as well as Mini-Tour events. 

Nate provides individual lessons, discounted lesson packages, specialized golf clinics, and can often be found learning from the best players and coaches in the world at PGA/LPGA Events. 


Elevate your golf game and have a great time doing it – schedule with Nate below:  


my.pga.com/coach/npg/schedule

Wilkie-Headshot.jpg

Michael Wilkinson, PGA

Director of Golf

Mike has been involved at Finley Golf Club for more than 43 years, beginning as a teenager in high school to becoming a Class A PGA professional for more than 25 years. He was an assistant professional for seven years, head professional for 14 years, and now the director of golf for the last 10 years. 

Mike has 35-plus years of teaching experience working with players at all levels of the game, from those just learning to play, average players, to those that are more accomplished as single-digit index to scratch players. Mike teaches all areas of the game — short game and putting, wedge play and full swing. 

He also provides playing lessons and course management sessions to help players make the right decisions to help score better. Mike has taught many golf clinics for area businesses and departments of the University. 

Mike has worked in the youth development area of golf supporting the PGA’s goal of growing the game. As such he was the Director of the Finley Junior Golf Camp for the last 24 years, a program that reached thousands of youths from the state and triangle area. 

Mike is a native of Chapel Hill and a 1986 UNC graduate.


For inquiries, please email Mike: mhwgolf@unc.edu

Mark-Bell-Headshot.jpg

Mark Bell

Associate Head Professional & Director of Programming

Finley Golf Club is where I first discovered the game of golf. My enthusiasm evolved into a passion and sparked a love for teaching the game.

Today, as a PGA professional, I’m excited to return to Finley Golf Club as the Associate Head Professional and Director of Programming. My teaching philosophy is simple: tailor an individualized golf experience for each player, ensuring they derive lifelong enjoyment from the game. Whether you’re taking your first swing or seeking to elevate your game, I am here to guide, support, and watch you flourish on the course. The joy of seeing both new and seasoned players grow in their abilities and deepening their love for the game is what fuels my passion every day.


For lesson inquiries, feel free to reach out via phone, email, or conveniently book a slot at www.pga.com/coach/markbell.

Let’s work together to enhance your game and love for golf!

unnamed-1.jpg

Rob Jeske

General Manager & Director of Instruction

Over the past 30 years, Rob has competed professionally, coached players of all levels, graduated from UNC’s Executive MBA program, managed a global golf business unit, and advises leading golf businesses and properties around the world.

As a coach, over the years, Rob has helped more than 60 junior golfers go on to compete at the Power 5 college level. He’s also coached and mentored dozens of college and professional tour players in reaching for their dreams.

Rob’s focus is customized Player Development Packages, ranging from 3 to 12 months. He’s also available for a la carte skill development and on-course playing sessions.


For Inquiries, please email: rob@playersnext.com

bottom of page